The global demand for styrene butadiene rubber (SBR) was 4,151 kilo tons in 2009 that increased to 4,324 kilo tons in 2010. SBR demand is expected to grow at a CAGR of 5.7% from 2012 to 2018. The growth in the SBR market is primarily driven by the increasing demand from the tire manufacturing industry, which is the largest consumer of SBR. Increased automobile sales in major countries of the world have played a key role in increasing the demand for tires. In addition, the tire labeling regulations in countries like Japan, Korea and the European Union have created huge demand for solution SBR (S-SBR). However, volatility in raw material prices, especially butadiene prices, has been a major inhibitor for the market.

The limited supplies of natural rubber coupled with the geographical constraints on its production have created a huge crossover opportunity for SBR. The market in the next six years would face a drastic shift towards production of S-SBR from E-SBR. The demand for S-SBR is expected to outpace the supply in the next three years. Large corporations have already begun work on installing new S-SBR plants, which would help them gain market share in view of the increasing demand.

Styrene butadiene rubber (SBR) or styrene butadiene (SB) is a form of synthetic rubber derived from two monomers i.e. butadiene and styrene. There are nearly 200 varieties of synthetic rubber available, of which SBR is the largest consumed variety, accounting for over 45% of the market. The other majorly consumed synthetic rubbers include polybutadiene rubber (BR), acrylonitrile butadiene rubber (NBR), and ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) among others.

SBR is produced by the polymerization of butadiene with styrene in an approximate ratio of 3:1. The relative proportions of styrene and butadiene influence the properties of SBR with higher styrene content resulting in harder rubbers. In comparison to natural rubber, SBR has better abrasion resistance, lower elasticity, better aging resistance and excellent electrical insulation. The mechanical properties of SBR improve by the addition of substances like carbon black during vulcanization with sulfur. Vulcanization is used to increase the durability of rubber.

Styrene Butadiene Rubber is the most commonly used synthetic rubber and accounts for over 45% of the global consumption. SBR is produced by the polymerization of butadiene with styrene in an approximate ratio of 3:1. The relative proportions of styrene and butadiene influence the properties of SBR with higher styrene content resulting in harder rubbers Tire manufacturing is the single largest application segment for SBR and consumes over 75% of the SBR produced globally The growth in the SBR market is primarily driven by the increasing demand from the tire manufacturing industry, which is the largest consumer of SBR. However, the volatility in the raw material prices, specially butadiene prices, have been a major inhibitor for the market.

This report analyzes and estimates the global demand for styrene butadiene rubber (SBR) in terms of volume (kilo tons) and revenue (USD million) from 2012 to 2018. The report covers the drivers and restraints affecting the SBR market, along with the opportunities in the future. In addition, the report explains the impact of the drivers and restraints on the market over the forecast period. The study also provides a detailed analysis of the raw materials and their influence on the demand and price of SBR.

The study provides a comprehensive view of the SBR market by segmenting the market based on its applications. Each of these segments is analyzed by studying the current and future market scenarios, estimated for the period 2012 to 2018 in terms of volume (kilo tons) and revenue (USD million). The demand has been forecast for North America, Europe, Asia Pacific and Rest of World (RoW). The report also provides the consumption of SBR in various applications for China, India, Brazil, Japan, Germany and the US along with estimates for the forecast period. In terms of products, the study segments the overall SBR market in to S-SBR and E-SBR, providing estimate and forecast for each in terms of both volumes and revenues.

To give the users of this report a holistic view on the for styrene butadiene rubber (SBR) market, we have included a detailed raw material analysis along with the value chain. To understand the competitive intensity in the market, an analysis of the Porters five forces model for the for styrene butadiene rubber (SBR) market has also been included. The study comprises of a market attractiveness analysis, wherein the applications are benchmarked based on their market size, growth rate and general attractiveness.

The report includes an extensive competitive landscape starting from the market share of the global SBR market to company profiles of the major participants operating in the global market. Key market participants profiled in this report include Lanxess, Sinopec, China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC), Synthos S.A., Asahi Kasei, Versalis, Dow Chemicals and so on. The market players are profiled with attributes like company overview, financial overview, business strategies and recent developments in the field of styrene butadiene rubber.

The market estimates for this study have been based on volumes, with revenues being derived through regional pricing trends. The price for each of the materials mentioned in the report has been considered, and customized product pricing has not been included. Additionally, the market has been analyzed based on expected demand and the market data for each segment is based on demand volumes and corresponding revenues. The prices considered for calculation of revenue are average regional prices obtained through primary quotes from numerous regional suppliers, distributors and direct selling regional producers. Furthermore, the market data is based on current information. However, presence of a large number of domestic manufacturers in China and India may cause variation in forecast by a small margin. The forecasts have been based on expected demand from application segments.